Seven dancers - including Aliona Vilani, Kristina Rihanoff and Pasha Kovalev - were unhappy to learn that their pay for the shows is frozen at last year’s rate of £5,500-a-week and say they will pull out if the salary isn’t increased.

‘Strictly’ bosses have now upped the offer to £6,000 - considerably less than the £13,000 their celebrity partners receive for the tour - but the professionals are holding out for £8,000, though they have yet to receive another response.

A source said: “The pro dancers work like dogs on tour. As well as dancing, they are responsible for choreography and preparing the celebrities for the performance.

“Some dancers feel the bosses have forgotten they are household names in their own right.”

The tour is scheduled to begin in January and ‘Strictly’ chiefs are hoping to sign up Denise Van Outen, Kimberley Walsh, Lisa Riley, Dani Harmer and Louis Smith to take part in the live shows around the UK.

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